How do you start your 12A engine?

I've owned by 85 GS since brand new. I've never had to pump the accelerator to start the car. When the engine is cold, I pull the choke and turn the key. As its starting, I may add a little gas.

Recently, I have to give five or more shots of accelerator prior to turning the key.

What could have changed that has caused the need to pump the accelerator?

J

 

I have to do that now... it will crank and crank and crank, but will never start...

What I have to do is pump 5 times, turn key, and as soon as it tries to start, pump the accel one more time... baby starts up just fine.

 

Any idea what the cause of this could be? Mine started so well for 15+ years and now I have to pump. What in the carburetor gives the engine its initial shot of fuel to get it started? I realize the accelerator pump can do it, but I want to know what's supposed to do it.

Thanks,

 

your foot.

 

When you pull out the choke it also gives it some throttle which probably causes the accelrator pump to give it gas. Maybe your pump is on the way out. 15+ years is a while.

 

your 15+ year old carb would probably be happier if it had a fresh rebuild.

 

just get a new one

 

Check the plugs, and compression, if you are sure that the carb is delivering fuel.